2020-03-12 - What's in a Name?

Kip really didn't need more things. It's not like her rented room was very big or anything, but who could resist a shop called Memento Mori with a 'this place totally has some stuff going on' vibe? Not this Russian. So here she is on this brisk afternoon! Carefully browsing the aisle an wares. She may or may not have her EMF meter hidden in the center pocket of her hoodie. Her hair is left down and the black hoodie is paired with black jeans and a pair of somewhat beat up sketchers.

The shop itself was quiet, which only added to the ambiance, with only the person manning the register and maybe one other patron browsing around at the moment.

One other patron and, as the door jingles to let him in, a James! The little redheaded local beardo weirdo shuffles his way inside, dressed as he almost always is: jeans and a hoodie. Today's hoodie is simple, black with white letters in front that just read 'GHOST BUTT' for no apparent reason. Oh, and to ward off the chill outside, he's got on a very nice looking black woolen coat- which seems to be several sizes too large for the slim little dude (it's enchanted by the Yule Cat to stay forever toasty tho, so he doesn't mind. Sshh, don't tell anyone). He pauses as he steps inside, takes one look around and his eyes widen a little, and he immediately places his hands in his pockets to prevent any accidental touches, because of Reasons (tm).

The sound of the door opening as Kip peering around the corner to see the new arrival. She can't help but giggle some when she sees that hoodie. "I like your choice of hoodie." She motions a bit towards it with a grin. Russian accent evident. "This place is fascinating, no?" Walking a bit more out of the aisle she was in so she could check out its end cap items.

James blinks as he hears a voice directed at him, and looks over to Kip, giving the woman a sheepish smile. "Oh, ah, thanks. I have, y'know, a lot of them. 'Cause I'm fashion-conscious like that.", he replies back in a slight mumble, and adjusts his ill-fitting coat illustratively. He looks around, and tilts his head slightly. "... fascinating's a word we can use, yeah.", he says, and leans in to look at a jar filled with some weird unidentifiable liquid, then scrunches his nose.

Now that he had a home, it was time to start decorating. Wayne made his way inside the shop, looking for those things that would round out his office. After all what kind of dark comic writer and artist did not have a collection of creepy things to draw inspiration from. Dressed in a long black trench coat and black jeans, he made his way inside and opened his coat. Today's tee shirt on display was grey with Venom's logo on it across the chest. His first order of business was to see who else was in the shop today that he might know.

"I don't have a lot of hoodies, but I have a vast amount of shirt...most of which are still back home. But I have a few with ghosts on them that I brought with me." Kip chuckled. "I wish I had been here around Halloween time...but then again, this place feels like it could be Halloween every day." Kip mused. "I'll bet a lot of these pieces have interesting stories to tell." Eyeing another person come in, Kip offered him a friendly smile. "Good afternoon."

She picked up a little porcelain haunted house piece. "When I get in a more permanent place- I am definitely starting a collection of these. What brings you two in today?" Just a curious question..

James pauses and thinks a moment, remembering his Halloween experience, weighing it in his head. On the pros column, he did meet his girlfriend that night, a development that he is still not entirely sure is actually happening or is in fact some weird dream. On the cons column, he was forced to slow-dance with the ghost of his asshole Uncle. "... no, Halloween is extra weird around here, trust me.", he says, shuddering a little. When Kip mentions a lot of the pieces having 'interesting stories', he twitches. "... yeah that's what I'm afraid of.", he murmurs, more to himself than anything else, because he is in fact a weirdo. Wayne's arrival draws a curious look from James, and he gives a quick polite nod, before turning quickly to give a creepy clown doll nearby the hairy eyeball. "Oh, just... research. For the book.", he answers Kip, distractedly.

Wayne waves to Kip as she greets him and listens as James spoke. "Hey good afternoon. I am actually looking for a desk that has the right vibe for my artwork and seeing what other pieces here speak to me." He grins and its hard to tell if he meant more by that last part. "Any suggestions? I just purchased a home and want to add some neat things to it."

Stefhan seems to continue to explore a variety of places but this area is quite new to him. Small towns normally would offer esoteric settings but this one seems to be quite...unique. Coming in from the cold, he shakes off the chilly weather, hopefully not literally for long, then he checks the sleeves of his jacket for spots of lint. With a frown he finds a bit of dust here and there, but he brushes it off and continues to venture further into the shop. "Interesting." He muses, "I doubt I could ever compete with a business like this."

Another man walks into the shop, properly dressed for the weather, though one would be dissapointed to note lacking any witty or zany clothing embellishments like those gathered. He'd also left his self-identifying parka at home today, so humdrum black wool. A glance outside would still catch Leon's name emblazoned on the side of his van, however.

He glances around as his eyes adjust, brows furrowed, a searching look on his face rather than casual browsing. The others in the shop are glanced at in passing as he starts to move through, a brief lingering look made in James' direction, but he was a man on a mission, and his focus would be unerr... Let's face it, he's gonna get drawn into conversation, eventually.

James glances at Wayne a moment as the man mentions purchasing a home here, and winces. "Well... I mean, as far as places to pick up decorations for a Gray Harbor home go...", he says, and looks around at the bizarre collection of things around them, pointing with an elbow at what appears to be a mummified monkey sticking out its middle finger (because he sure as hell isn't taking his hands out of his pockets in here thankyou*very*much). "... it's about as on-brand as it gets. I hear they have a 'buy two cursed items, gain a demonic infestation free' sale." As more new arrivals invade the store, James licks his lips a little nervously and steps aside, instinctively making himself a little smaller to make room for the others.

Stefhan tries to make some humor out of the unique environment. "Well, I can attest that computers are already possessed, for they never let me have a rest." As if to confirm the random poetic words, his cellphone goes off and, not one to ignore business, he finds himself a somewhat quiet corner where he can chat and not disturb anyone.

Wayne laughs at the joke... comment.. he is not sure but he was amused either way. "I know, will help set the ton for my next comic. Got to be in the right or well wrong mind to write some of this." He chuckles before heading over to look at what desks they do have here.

Leon moves past James more into the shop proper, a smile on his face as he tries to make light, "Oh come on, it's not that bad." His syllables long with a joking roll to his voice, "I remember being creeped out by this place as a kid, but its just really old stuff."

And he spots it, sitting on a dresser in plain view. A nice, large cast-iron cauldron, black as soot, dented. The perfect prop. He makes an 'Aha!' sound, moving through the thin pathways between all the knicknacks and furniture. It was back a bit, and there was a table in the way. He tries to step around it, putting his hand flat on the wooden surface.

And just stops in place.

Kip had been distracted by something or other. Probably being sneaky and checking out some items for EMF traces. The meter gets tucked back in to her pocket as she rounds back to where everyone is gathered. A brow quirked as she looks at Leon. "Are you okay?" Seeing as how he was just standing there touching a cauldron. A look given to the others gathered to see if they knew what was up.

James was having a staring contest with what appears to be at first glance a legit brain in a jar + eyeballs, when something tickles the back of his neck, and he jumps, immediately looking in Leon's direction. As he sees the man frozen with his hand on one of the cursed items around here, and he senses that weird vibe of Glimmer in use, he shakes his head, watching Leon with honest sympathy. "... ah, fuck, man.", he murmurs, then catches Kip's glance. "... just let him ride it out."

Wayne moved through the store still in search for the right desk. So far he was having very little success but he had time. He looks to those gathered at the table and keeps a watch on the proceedings.

Leon stands there for a long moment, just still...

He's sitting at a table, staring out the window as two thirty-somethings walked down the sidewalk and away from his home. They were both dressed expensively, but the cheap kind of expensive. Gaudy watches and jewelry. They shouldn't be able to afford it. They were spending money they didn't have yet.

He hurts deep in his guts, but the alcohol and morphine was dulling it. Pain. Loneliness. Resentment. Depression.

"I don't know why they even visit, they're just waiting for me to die. They'll sell everything..."

He looks to his right and reaches for the Morphine pills...

Leon slowly lifts his hand away from the table and takes a slow step back. His eyes were staring somewhere else. He's still for a few more moments, but not the frozen shock he'd just been in moments before.

Kip eyed James a beat and then looked back to Leon. After some extra focus she could see it. Sort of. A tell tale sign of powers being used. Kip made a thoughtful noise. Still a touch concerned. But she decided to defer to James and let it happen. As such, her attention shifts for the moment to Wayne. "What did you say you were looking for again?"

James watches Leon curiously until the man's vision finally fades. Not that he looks ready to move, if Leon collapses into a fetal position or something it's not like all 5'4" of him is going to be able to catch a guy that has a foot and probably at least 100 lbs on him without causing a crap-avalanche that would probably result in both of them getting bombarded by more visions. But as Leon does not, in fact, collapse, a bit of tension leaves James, replaced by relief. At least the guy seems to be handling it better than James himself usually does. He wanders by, glancing up at Leon. "... y'okay?"

He moved his eyes to the speaker and offered a smile to Kip. I am looking for a desk, I would prefer either black oak or walnut but really it just needs to be about the feeling I get from the desk. I want a place I can focus when I write." He nods still keeping a pleasant smile to his face. "I likely should have asked my sister to come with me." He chuckles.

Atli arrives to the shop with excitement in her heart. She was doing something fun today and for herself. Most women in there 20’s would opt to get their nails done. She on the other hand, was going antiquing. Her short stature is fitted with a navy blue sweater, open to a pale pink flowing tank. Beneath this is a pair of slacks and two inch heels.

She seems surprised at the sheer number of fellow collectors in here, but this does not remove the perfectly plastered, straight toothed grin on her face. A tiny wave is given with lightly bruised fingers. “Oh! Hello everyone!”

Leon's eyes slowly turn to James, losing that glassy nature. Oh right, there were people nearby. That's not embarrassing at all.

"Yeah. Uh..." He looks down at the cursed table a new sort of wariness in his expression before glancing back to James, then up at the newcomer, then back at James. "I... wouldn't touch that table." he comments, then gives it the widest berth possible to try to reach for the cauldron handle.

Un-fucking-erring.

"A desk hm? I think there were a few more towards the back. A focused place to write is a good idea. What do you write?" She asks, curious. When a new person arrives with greeting, Kip offers a sunny grin in return and a wave. "Hello there."

She watches James and Leon then as James asks if the man is okay. But of course she has to ask, "what's wrong with the table?"...and the EMF meter totally comes out.

"Wasn't planning to, man, trust me. This place is a goddamn minefield.", James mutters back at Leon, and waggles his elbows a bit to show his hands firmly in his pockets. He gives a slightly rueful grin up at the dude. "I mean, it's nothing like my house, but still pretty bad." And then there's a Kip zeroing in on that table with some gizmo out, and he blinks. "Well, for starters, it's a table in Gray Harbor, so, strike one.", he quips.

Wayne nodded when Kip mentioned towards the back. "Thought as much, I write comics. Maybe you read my full length? "When the Mirror Cracks, the Curtain Opens" was out last year I believe." His eyes though move towards the pair and the desk before the ray of sunshine walked in. "I can browse on my own in cause you need to check on the other customers." He smiles.

Atli tilts her head in confusion towards several actions of those around her. Her eyes sparkle as she attempts to place some of the people before her. This was a possibility unnerving habit, she was good at it.

Given a moment it was no surprise to see a Gyre unsteady on their feet. She does not say as much. “A Gyre and a Hecker right? Oh, and hello Wayne!” Behind delicate curls was a database of Gray Harbor social knowledge. “I find this town quite charming!” She adds to James.

James flippant assessment of the table's sins actually gets a snort from Leon, regardless of the unease he was feeling. As his hands close over the rod-iron handle to the cauldron, his eyes flicker for just a moment, a hidden wince as he braced himself... and nothing happens. He lets out the breath he didn't know he was holding, then grunts as he one-arm curls the giant hunk of metal from atop the dresser. It was probably just decoration.

His eyes are now carefully assessing his escape route, caution he should have had the first time if he had any sense on par with James. His last name has his eyes retraining on Atli again, a brow arching. Twice in one week was a bit startling, but...

"Wait, Hecker?" he glances at James.

Kip blinked a bit and then laughed. "I do not work here." She explained to Wayne as she ran the meter over the table carefully and then sighed. Maybe a little bit dramatically. No dice. "If you do not like this place, why do you live here?" She asked to James. Maybe a bit forward, but it's a sincere question.

A brow is raised towards Atli - "...A Gyre and a Hecker? What does that mean?" As the EMF meter gets stowed away again. One day...one day. "Oh and...I don't think so." She says to Wayne. "I am only really familiar with Russian literature." She admits. "I have not had much exposure to American ones except for, well, some superheros and then classics. I will look for it though. It sounds interesting. And sure. If you want a second pair of eyes I will look with you."

The last Hecker, no less. James Hecker, last of his line, smoker of cannabis, eater of funyuns, he of the burned-up parents and crazy dead uncle. That James, indeed. As James is outed by Atli, he winces, and looks over at her. He doesn't immediately recognize her as an Addington, but something about her cheerful declaration of how charming she finds this town sets his teeth on edge. Luckily, he's rescued from possibly blurting out something rude regarding where folks can shove their good opinions of this thrice-cursed godforsaken hellhole by Leon's reaction. "That's my name. James Hecker.", he admits, steeling himself a little for what usually comes after, namely, mention of his parents dying in that mysterious fire a decade and a half ago.

And then there's Kip's question, stealing his attention, and he gives her a wan smile. "... because I don't really have a choice anymore. This is the only place where my crazy works.", he replies, enigmatically enough.

"Hello Atli." He waves with a smile then nods towards Atli. "That right there is the resident superhero, her powers include fixing things and knowing practically everyone." He chuckles. "But I will absolutely take another pair of eyes if you want to look for a creepy desk with me." When James tossed his name out Wayne waves. "Nice to meet another crazy, I'm Wayne Evergreen."

The bite of Atli’s comments has a very ’I know what you did last summer’ feel. She would not in fact further a microscopic review of James, but your family was always a part of you. This was true in her mind at least, rather ingrained from her own upbringing.

Despite two of the men’s slight bristling, the overly cheery grin remains. In fact it only grows at Wayne’s remark. “Oh you are just a treat!” She remarks, moving closer to the desk. Seeming to only half see Kip she stops short. “I wouldn’t dream of stepping on the toes of someone who works here though!”

This is said with enthusiasm, but she is already looking the piece over despite her comment. “This is quite beautiful! What color is it going to fit best in your home? Or will it be the original finish?”

The strange device in Kips hand was obviously some form of payment taker.

Well thankfully for James, this was those one in... What's the population of Gray Harbor?... times he was recognized for his own merits and not his family's conflagration.

"Hey, man! Leon Gyre. We had like two or three classes together in high school." Leon offers a hand and a smile, also probably something James didn't get too often. Wayne's introduction gets a chuckle, "At least you're in good company then. Seems we're all mad here." His eyes flit briefly to Atli and back.

He wasn't wearing a hat.

Kip simply looks confused, though she did gather at least that Gyre and Hecker were last names of the two other men. She considers Atli briefly and then shook her head with a smile. The EMF meter was stowed back in her hoodie. "I don't work here." She assured again. "And you surely might have better...uh...what is the word...an eye for design? Than I would." She muses.

She looks to Wayne, "If you get stuck I'll be a tiebreaker, hm? I will be around a litle longer." Kip offered before carefully maneuvering over to another set of shelves to browse for a few moment.

James gives Wayne a weak smile, nodding his greetings back at the table-hunter, before relief floods him as Atli seems to lose interest in him and turn all that... ugh... cheer towards Wayne. He doesn't have a lot of time to appreciate his luck before Leon's greeting him in a rather unexpected way. He eyes the offered hand cautiously, narrowing his eyes, and then it clicks. "... oh. Oh! Shit. Yeah! Damn. You, ah, grew up. A lot.", he replies, taking his hand out of his pocket so he can shake with Leon. He himself is not much taller than he was in high school, and the only thing the last decade and a half have given him is his beard and some pretty deeply-ingrained nihilism. Given the rather massive difference in the two men's sizes, James' hand probably all but disappears in Leon's grip. "Sorry you couldn't escape either.", he says, which is about the best one can expect from our dear Mr. Hecker.

"Nice to meet you again Leon." He chuckles and noted the two conversion which left him, Kip and Atli in a small conversation circle... before Kip extracted herself. He actually chuckles. "No Atli, does not work here but I thought the same thing. I am looking for either Dark Oak or a nice Walnut, I would rather not need to restore it but that does have its own charm. If you are offering your guidance, how could I pass up to opportunity." He grins to her.

It was so rare to find someone with actual manners around here lately. The concept has her beaming. Crouching down to the legs, she looks for structural damage and...she finds some. A large chunk is missing from one of the legs. What an absolute shame. Her wide smile tilts downward at the corner, similar to how one might respond to a commercial featuring ‘In the arms of an angel’.

Raising a finger to her lips and giving a wink to Wayne, she sparkles as though she is lit through an instagram filter, an almost halo of light above her head. Then...structure restored. In fact the entire thing seemed almost new.

She stands, folding her arms in satisfaction. “You can still paint it if you like, but it does look gorgeous. I don’t like to cheat, but it was missing a bit otherwise irreplaceable.”

The handshake is just about how James expects, save for the fact it's held a bit higher than normal, as if Leon was now just as gun-shy to touch anything in the cramped shop.

"Aw, its not lik-..." Leon begins, then trails off, the words coming up short as the thought simply dies before it can even be breathed. As he releases James' hand, he retracts his statement as well, "The last time I tried to argue that sentiment, I immediately regretted it. So I'm just gonna agree to disagree with you on the statement, but absolutely respect your stance." His face is solemn, making slow nods with his words to truly communicate their gravity. But he at least tries to lighten the mood. "What have you been doing with yourself besides growing a fan-tastic beard?"

Wayne's greeting gets him a "Same, Wayne. Remember, gimme a call if you wanted to go keyless."

Then Atli receives a very serious and foreboding look.

James raises a brow and chuckles as Leon almost, but not quite, manages to defend the town's honor. "Smart man.", he replies, looking amused, then shrugs. "Oh, y'know. Uncle died. Left me the old family home. Came back to try and sell it, discovered he'd turned it into a hoarder's nightmare-slash-dream during the past decade and a half, promptly had a mental breakdown. Met someone, against all odds and common sense and cosmic justice we've been dating for the past few months and we're working on a book together while I try to figure out what to do with the house. My friends came over to try and help me clean up the other day but we were repelled by some pretty damn aggressive roaches, because my life is a neverending nightmare." He takes a breath as if to say something more, but then winces as his beard bristles when Atli Does Her Thing. He looks back over his shoulder at her and Wayne, wrinkling his nose. "... swear I'm the only sane person in this town, and I'm crazier than a shithouse rat.", he mutters under his breath. Clearly he doesn't particularly approve of casual Glimmer usage.

"Will do Leon, I will make an appointment for sometime next week?" He nods then looks first to the desk then to Atli then back to the desk. He sighs "All things whole wept for they missing a chance encounter with the angel's mercy, when shall fortune and fate offer them a chance in the light?" He laughs. "Maybe I will add that in. Thank you for the gift of your selection, still imperfections are add a bit of character. Oh and at least wear a cape if you are going to be super."

Casual use of Glimmer? Never! This was an emergency. The absolute preservation of human souls whom made the original piece, was a must. In Atli’s mind there was in fact no better use of one’s abilities. Besides what was the in between going to do to her? Murder her father? Check. Have something to do with her grandfathers death? Check. Make her give up a life changing internship to help her family deal with tragedy? Triple Check.

A faux bashfulness comes over her as she pushes the unpleasant thoughts aside. Nothing to be done now. Wayne’s praise only inflates her ego further. James may even be convinced her head was swelling beneath platinum ringlets. To Wayne she looks with gemstone eyes. “Sorry about that! I’m sure you will add your own character to it! You really are just an absolute poet!”

A bit of rose color graces her cheeks, furthering the disingenuous humble facade. She giggles at her own pun for good measure, Atli knew he created characters.

Noting the cauldron Leon seemed to be uncomfortably wielding she asks, “Whatever will you do with that?”

Leon really can't really help but quip, given the tirade James had just gone on, though keeping his voice equally as low and quiet, "Maybe if we're graded on a curve, Hecker."

He watches Atli a few more moments nervously, then shakes his head, looking back at the ginger, "You should come to the Raising of the Green." Because... You know... James was <s>a leprechaun</s> probably part Irish... Obviously. "Bring your lady. Meet mine. We can catch up."

Once the blonde was done getting even more air between her ears he catches the question. He hefts the heavy peice like it weighed... Less than it probably did, its still fucking solid iron. "Oh, recently met the owner of the Grizzley, figured she might need one." He holds up a palm, "Kidding." His looks aside to James, appending under his breath, "Mostly." Then finally continues in real volume, "Prop for the Pourhouse Saint Patty's Day charity event. Part of the betting prize. Yaknow... Fill it with gold coins and all."

At some point James will realize Atli is an Addington and so much will make sense. For the moment, though, he just raises a brow and tries to figure out if her head doubling in size is actually happening or he just smoked some really good shit before coming in to the store, before he turns his attention back to Leon. "... less of a curve, more of a cliff.", he mutters, then tilts his head. "Wasn't sure if I was going to make it to that, but I guess I really shouldn't refuse an excuse to drink. And yeah, I'll see if Diana wants to come too. If only so she can make sure I leave while I can still stand."

And then Leon mentions the owner of the Grizzly, and James legit hisses through his teeth, before looking back up to Leon. "... dude don't even joke about that. And don't say her name. She'll appear.", he whispers back, and he does not seem to be kidding, in fact, looking quickly and nervously around the room. One might wonder what the hell Gina did to the poor guy.

Now Wayne was one of those curious sorts. "Something happened to you with the owner of the Grizzly?" He looks back to Atli with a grin. "So while I know it is your nature I do have to ask if there is a consultation cost? I would never want to leave a debt if I can avoid it just by asking." He turned to Leon though at the mention of the event. "Did you need help with any fliers? I am betting I am getting into this way to late to help but hey it does not hurt to ask."

Business, it seems to keep Stefhan busier than it needs to. After a rather long and involved phone conversation, he comes back in and pockets his phone. With someone like Atli here, he manages to not stare at her hair for too long, hopefully something else holding his attention. "No need for ghosts in the machine." he mutters to himself but a strange object or two likely catches his attention. Hard to tell if it's something that he might end up buying or not.

Atli clasps her hands together joyously, at the mention of charity. The pose evokes a level of practice one may associate of several years of bedtime prayers, the angle of her elbows overly level. “How thrilling!” The discomfort she mentally claimed had nothing to do with his physical strength, and everything to do with his movements. The man was obviously avoiding touching much. Perhaps he thought he would break things?

“I have a family outing that day, perhaps we could add the iron pot to my account here? It would a donation. It is so great to see people interested in building community.” This was her response to not being directly asked to attend. Quash opposition with kindness, additionally it was for a good cause.

James gleans a worried look at his reaction to Gina. She couldn’t imagine the girl physically assaulting anyone, yet he had abuse victim level paranoia. Was it possible they dated and were involved in a domestic altercation? She would just ask Alisha, no need to make the poor, morose man suffer against past pains.

Waiting on a response from Leon at her pretend question, Atli turns all of her effervescence to Wayne once more. “I will likely be in need of an artist in the near future. It would mean the world to be able to work with a gentleman!” Again the shade from her shoulder at her lack of direct invitation is thrown Leon’s way. It is not overt, but the chilliness would be almost tangible to anyone aside from Wayne. That man was only being given her sunniest rays.

James' reaction very much gets a dramatic widening of his eyes and bobbing of his head, the sort of motion you make when shouting 'I KNOW!' Leon doesn't though. The shop wasn't that big. And was creepy. Best not to test the hearing of the monsters.

"Not so much something happened as she's really kind of a weird bird." Leon at least breaks into a smirk, "I'm not gonna argue if someone wants to donate items. It's for 'Hope For the Warriors'." Though he was wondering who would actually keep an account to a place like this, especially someone who looked so young. She'd still only given her first name.

"And I appreciate the offer, Wayne, but nah. We did put some up on bulletin boards, and put ads in the Gazette and on social media. I think Maggi would brain me if I murdered any more trees when we were only three more days out." Because that's how you do bar events at the pourhouse, Atli, shit. What you think this is? Deadly snowglobe singing? He chuckles gently at his own suggestion of domestic harm.

James winces at Wayne's question. "... you could say that, yeah. Not that she ever leaves any actual proof that it was her behind. But I know it was her." Dude really sounds a bit nuts. It's probably all in his head.

Probably.

That worried look from Atli causes James to hunch up a little under his oversized wool coat, but Leon's reaction actually puts him at ease. He's not the only one! Thank goodness he can't actually read her thoughts, because the mere suggestion that Gina and he might have been... involved... would probably be enough to cause him to flee the store in a panic and not stop til' he got to Mexico. She's really done a number on him. Or he's just nuts. Probably the latter. Gina is a perfectly nice girl.

"Well I wanted to offer. Hmm if I have a copy can get a copy of my first print I will swing by and add that to the prizes. Might get you a nickel but hey its something." He laughs.
Watching James flinch he knew it would be a good story to explore, just not today. He does nod though.
Atli get a look, and a smile, then presented with a card. "A favor for a favor, give me a call and let me know what you need. As much notice as possibly please if it needs to be anywhere nearly as perfect as you." He grins.

Stefhan still might not completely understand where the current conversation leads. Yet, he doesn't seem to worry too much, even if things in the shop are a bit surprising. Fortunately he doesn't loose all of his senses but he does notice that James may appear to be a bit, off? Or maybe his perception is off? Being polite, if not a little curious, he asks the man, "Are you ok Sir?" Far from a psychologist though, and not knowing Gina, his question might not be the best one to ask, but the intentions are good it seems.

Atli accepts the business card graciously, giving a smidgen of a curtsy. "I look forward to it!" She states with gusto. Noticing Stefhan she gives a twinkling wave, as though the air has piano keys floating. "Hello Stefhan!" The greeting has slightly less energy than her words to Wayne, but this is to be expected considering he had assumed she was a lesbian the last time they had spoken. The assumption of sexuality based on the fact she worked with her hands was not new to her, but it had stung.

Sliding the card into her phone case, she flourishes two of her own. Atli Marie Addigton: Historical Restoration Specialist. The metallic gold type face on a pristine white card was accented by an embossed golden rose outline in the corner. Her contact information is clearly legible. "Leon when you are ready, that's the name you can have them put it under. I promise the account is in excellent standing."

James...he is written off at the moment by Atli. Perhaps she would think of him again when his untimely death came in the paper, or his name appeared on an angel tree for the homeless. The man obviously had issues too deep for Atli to assist with. If only he had been blessed with more stability.

Leon breaks into a grin, "I mean, I hadn't thought of asking for that sort of thing, but we can work out adding it to the King's Hoard." What was that? Who frickin' knew, but he said it, so it must be part of the event. The flirtatious comment from Wayne to Atli has Leon making a lower-lip jutted look of approval, trading a glance with James, that almost said, Aw shit, this dude is spittin' some game. This brings Stefhan into his vision, and Leon perks up, "Stefhan! Long time no see, friend." he would look to offer a hand, but James is probably between them in this narrative, so let's just decide he made a better decision and there's a short wave instead.

The card taken, Leon has about a heartbeat for his eyes to traverse the word, before issuing an illuminated, "Oh!" Like it had all come together. This was very different from the 'Oh.' he could have used instead. There was an exclamation point, read the tone! He actually managed to sound polite. "Well thank you so much, Miss Addington." he says with a nod of his head. Obviously the emphasis on the name was to clue James in on the inside information they'd both been missing. "I'll be sure to include you in the donors' list." With a groan. He'd write it while groaning.

Wayne looks to Stefhan as the one person he had yet to meet. He extends his hand with a warm smile. "Wayne Evergreen. Pleased to meet you." He maintained a level of professionalism with his introduction. He was slightly confused by the Oh! from Leon until he started to referred to Atli as Miss Addington. He smiled and covered a chuckle.

Stefhan nods toward Atli and politely bows his head in her direction. "Hello Miss." He makes sure he speaks in a polite manner, though for some odd reason he seems to have a bit of a problem looking at the blonde woman directly in her eyes. Fortunately, he can easily divert his attention away from her when he hears Leon's greeting and he offers a polite nod to him as well. "Lovely to see you again." His tone probably more formal than needed. "Donors for" Maybe he's out of the loop? "Is there a recent charity event? Those are always needed." But ah ha, a new person. His hand is extended and he offers his name as well. "Very nice to meet you too Mr. Evergreen. Stefhan Rosenberg." He says, "Interesting shop, and I mean that in a good way. Is it yours?" This is asked of Wayne because hey, he's the new person Stefhan doesn't know yet.

This not being looked in the eyes nonsense will not do, that is a sign of respect, and worthiness to be looked at. One does not simply ignore looking at a former head cheerleader. White blonde curls are flipped behind her shoulder in an effortless toss. Gleaming grin is trained directly on The Hub owner, lashes almost batting. With the laugh of a silver bell choir she answers for the gentleman next to her. "Wayne is an artist and writer." She clarifies this in a way that he was almost better than the owner of an antiques shop. A creative soul burning brightly as a beacon to the world. As a exclamation point she touches the man's shoulder in a tap of pride or accolade. Like the presenting a a CEO or upstart within a company.

She would let Leon explain his event given her respect for organized charity. He seemed to have things handled even if it was at The Pourhouse of all places. The mention of the Kings hoard is not lost on her. She did like her history.

"Yeah, Raising of the Green at the Pourhouse. Saint Patty's Day. I didn't think drinking was your thing, but if you wanna come by to support charity, by all means. It's for Hope For the Warriors." Leon grins at Stefhan. He briefly looks like he was going to reach for a wallet... then realizes Atli probably wouldn't take his card if offered. She already knew who he was and it's not like there were other locksmiths in town. She could find him if she needed him for something that pertained to business. He adjusts his grip on the large cauldron, hefting it to hald over the back of his shoulder. Seriously, guys, he wasn't a stone, this thing was heavy. He doesn't seem that put out by it though. If anything, making an impression on an Addington was good for business. "That said, there is a special menu for that night, which I don't think the Pourhouse has done in... well awhile..."

"No sorry, I am not the owner nor know the owner." He let his hand settle at his side after shaking and laughs as Atli jumps in with his accomplishments. "I am a local writer and artist yes." His attention shifts to Leon. "I will try to stop by so I can at least donate." He nods.

And another enters the shop. Alisha come to look for some oddities to add for home décor and maybe a gift for someone, the shop always does have some of the most interesting things. Dressed in her preferred style of short black dress, thigh high boots, and her leather jacket as a conceit to the cold weather. Looking around at the various people already a nod offered to those she does know, but has probably at least seen around town. A small smile added to the nod for Stefhan and Atli as she heads over to the gathered. Browsing can wait for a bit.

Stefhan immediately feels ashamed and overwhelmed by Atli's presence. "A soul such as mine should not have the privilege of being near such comeliness."He says and he clearly seems ashamed at something. Then he finally does look over toward Atli, this time yes, he does look at her eyes and just stares for a while until he says, “Sorry sorry sorry…”

But there’s a diversion. Yes, a charity event! Whew, thank the saints for Leon’s information. He seems to actually return to a normal tone of voice when he says, “Well, you’re right. I try to stay away from alcohol as it causes me to have no inhibitions. Believe it or not, I’m worse like that but, I am interested in going. I could easily donate a computer for the cause, if that would be helpful?”

After the work day was done, the first thing Katherine does is to send Wayne a text to check in to let him know that she is on the way to Momento Mori. She was invited to join him to give opinions on antique furniture, which admittedly, she doesn't have any but it's still time spent with Wayne, so she agrees to join him.

Stepping into the antique shop, dressed in an expensive looking grey suit, her brown locks in a sleek updo, her winter jacket hanging over her arm. Her eyes scan the room to find the man she is looking for and waves to get his attention.

"Alisha!" Atli gushes at her fellow blonde. "You look so put together every time I see you!" In an era where leggings were pants it was good to see a lady with some flair. Black was a stark choice in Atli's opinion, but it suited her. "Wayne and Leon, I'm sure you remember such a beautiful and strong woman." She had a propensity for assuming everyone kept the same standard of townie records as herself. To Stefhan a grin is given at her victory. "That is quite alright darling!"

The instagram sparkles and halo of light returns as she reads the room. Expect Stefhan, he does not see anything other than Atli intensly concentrating on the people around her, but she was just intense by nature. An appreciative nod is given at what she notices from each of the other individuals. And then...she gets to Leon. "Holy Fudgeballs!" She exclaims uncharacteristically. In French she speaks to him. "Saviez-vous que vous êtes vraiment fort?" Her crystal blue eyes are wide.

Well shit, should they have asked for prize donations? Yeah, probably, considering there was a perfect fucking example not that long ago that included Jello. Mentally, Leon was smacking himself in the forehead as people suggested donations, while physically, he had a thousand-yard stare moment. Was he touching another piece of furniture? No. But, maybe he'd have to start like... offering ranking prizes. This might get complicated. And then there's another person to greet with a nod. Yeah, he probably recognized a cop? Since He was a locksmith and needed to be present for evictions sometimes?

"Uhhhh, yeah, sure, if you wanted to donate something, I guess, uh... Assign a cash value to it?" He finally answers Stefhan. Great job, Leon. Gold star for organization. "Thaaa-at waaayyy..." His syllables start to lengthen as he tries to think while talking, which is truly the worst sort of arithmetic, "I can add it to the total donation tally and put you on the donor's list as well." There's a brief, harried look shot Wayne's direction. Should he have told him that too? Would he pick up on that? Oh god, this was going sideways, and he just wanted a dirty pot to shove chocolate coins in. And to add to that, Atli.

"Uhh... Oui."

"Now Atli you know us mere mortals struggle identifying angels that do not where name tags." He chuckles and offers his hand to Alisha. "Wayne Evergreen, a pleasure to meet you." He felt the phone in his pocket go off and turns his attention to the door.
"Ladies and Gentlemen I present to you Miss Katherine Kennedy. Proof that either this town is a gathering place for divine beings or that we are just that cursed that we need to help shift the scales." He laughs while gesturing for Katherine to join them. "Hey sweetie, come take a look at this desk, I think it is perfect for my office."

As Alisha gets closer and hears what Stefhan has to say she just shakes her head "You remember that talk the other day. Save those words for Faith, don't want rumors spreading right?" trying to remind him. If she has to lose a friend with benefits, the least he can do is not wreck her 'sacrifice'.

A glance given back with when Katherine walks in and nod of hello shot in her direction. Looking back to Atli and softly chuckles "Hi Atli. I do put my best to looking at least decent. Not everyone likes my personal sense of fashion." looking back over her from a closer distance. "You look very fetching as always." Impossible not to notice the sparkles. Ali really pays it no mind, she knows she isn't the only one in town. And unless mentioned she usually just keeps quiet about it.

She does recognize Leon since he has likely helped with force with his skills, of course she looks over different on duty versus now "Hey there. How are things going?" She looks to Wayne's offered hand and gives it a firm shake "Alisha Williams. Nice to meet you as well."

Stefhan doesn't sparkle, doesn't glow, all he seems to know what to do is right now is grovel. "Hopefully, I won't loose my Faith." What in the world he is talking about might not make the most sense. These computer fellas, they truly speak their own language, especially this one.

"I definitely will." He tells Leon and asks, "Would there be room for my assistant to come? If she's available that is. I'm glad to have new people on staff. Maybe things will take a turn for the better." When another familiar face walks in, he offers a smile to Alisha, "Are you going to the Raising of the Green? I can see you enjoying something like that, if I may be so bold."

Then, there's an introduction. When Wayne introduces Katherine, he bows in respect to the lady and then stands back up. "Pleasure to meet you Miss Kennedy." He doesn't approach her though, especially if she and Wayne have a reason to chat.

"Kate please," she says to the people who happen to be around, "I find Katherine to be a little formal for social settings, I reserve formalities for a professional setting. It's a pleasure to meet you all." She gives Wayne a kiss on the cheek, not really making an effort to be discreet or subtle about it. She gives the desk an appraising look and nods. "I'm no interior designer but if you feel it will fit the theme of your office, it looks lovely."

Hearing 'Sweetie', Atli side steps from the desk, still eyeing Leon like he was some sort of Christmas light she was encountering for the first time. Remembering her manners she gives a wave towards Katherine. "Pleasure to meet you! You two look just adorable together!" Atli swears since Valentine's Day she had seen nothing but couples, other than her mother. In that case though her mothers husband was straight up dead...Outwardly she smiles, inwardly sighing. That presumptuous piano player was probably single, for good reason.

Her eyes return to Leon. "Can you do historical locks rather than replacements?" <<Why are you like this, it's like looking at the sun>> She tries to keep the conversation normal. Maybe she would organize a Gray Harbor singles event? Or perhaps that was it's own point of social suicide.

All this flowery speech was just a tad lofty for a salt-of-the-earth soldier turned tradesman like Leon. Also, he was suddenly having to come up with what he would do with prize donations. Would Maggi get mad at him for over-complicating again? Oh god, don't let her set the house on fire. Act natural. Wave hello to Kate, Leon, you remember her from coffee.

"Yeesss." he says to Stefhan. Again, those long syllables while he thinks, but really that thought was more wondering what the question meant? The Pourhouse was definitely big enough for the event, Stefhan had been there. Hadn't he? This town was weird. Stefhan didn't glow, and oh god, was the poor man losing memories now? Keep your shit together Leon. "Yeah, absolutely bring whoever. It's gonna be as big of an event as we can make it. The contest can have as many entrances as people want to, and all the profits are going to charity, so every soul in the door helps the cause." And now again, Leon is having to deal with Atli stressing him out, like the pretentious, rich yuppie she was. <<How should I know? This is your family's damn town. Ask them.>> Which of course brings his parents death up in his mind, and that was a whole ball of emotional baggage that he didn't want to deal with that was now conveniently leeching into that open mental link they'd just communicated-... Shit. He shuts that down real quick, his eyes only briefly glancing to Atli, brows furrowed in consternation.

"You talking like old Yale cast-irons or older bit and barrel? I can do both." Yeah, keep up the front Leon, your mind wasn't fracturing right now. Nope, not at all.

"Back to cheek kisses, I see I have already lost my shine." He sighs while grinning as if it was a joke before looking to Atli. "Thank you Atli, something new for us." His attention turns back to the desk. "Yes, this should have just the right feel under the window." He nods.
"Oh right, there is a fundraiser in a couple days, can you avoid any evening appointments so I can take you with me Kate? Please?" He added the please after a good ten seconds still grinning at her.

Alisha nods her head to Stefhan "I probably will be. Drinking to support a cause, I can get behind that. I'd likely be there anyway. Are you going to go?" knowing he really doesn't drink much. Turning a bit to face Katherine "Hi Kate. Don't know if you caught my name in the diner. I'm Alisha." looking between her and Wayne "So did your date go well?" asking either really as she makes a assumption, possibly incorrectly.

Atli seems focused so Leon so she wouldn't distract her from that. She instead looks to Leon and raises a eyebrow of the mention of contest "What sort of contest is being planned? It sounds like it could be fun and one of these days I'm going to win a bar contest."

Stefhan nods affirmatively to Alisha and says, "I think I will. It's good to support charity and I actually made some lovely sales the other day. Speaking of which, is your sister enjoying her computer? Remember, if anything is not working well with it, just bring it to my attention."

Kate playfully smacks Wayne's shoulder. "Stop that," she jokingly scolds him, "You know you always shine with me, darling." She then reaches out to shake Alisha's hand. "Nice to meet you, officially this time." She smiles at the blonde as she tilts her head in Wayne's direction to subtly signal to her that it did in fact go well, then she pulls out her phone to check her calendar. No trips to Seattle. No importance conference calls. "Fundraiser huh? It looks like it's on the night before my birthday, so I'm sure we could swing it. I'll bring my checkbook. What's the cause?"

Atli had been mentally cursed at and then the Glimmer equivalent of being hung up on. This was unacceptable. She could see the little bit of discomfort he had though, and was trying to give him the benefit of the doubt. "I cannot recall for the moment, locks have never been my forte, I specialize in carpentry. Perhaps you could take a look at them sometime?" She says this last bit slowly, a bird watcher, backing away slowly in hopes to see them fly rather than go into a defensive position.

Someone with his abilities was worth noting. Though a Gyre wouldn't be the best thing for her reputation to socialize with, he seemed a fine enough business associate. Perhaps his gifts overshadowed his name. It's not like he was a Baxter after all. Feeling sufficiently deflated, she begins contemplation of if her fingers have healed to a degree she could practice on the piano. Her mother was likely still out shopping after all, given the time. Giving a shimmering formal grin about the room and a little toot-a-loo of her fingers she takes another step towards the door. "Lovely to see everyone! I think I have browsed enough for the day." Looking at Leon "Use the number on the card if you are interested in business Mr. Gyre!"

She departs the antiques shop with more self doubt than she was comfortable with, but at least she had contributed to charity today, that part felt nice.

He didn't know when, but Leon's eyes had landed on Atli for a long moment. There was an intensity buried there, and... thankfully, she had relented. Which is great since a cracking mentalist was not going to be in anyone's planner. He relaxes visibly as she makes her exit, offering a wave and stowing her card after making another adjustment of the heavy iron cauldron he was carrying over his shoulder. But it was for charity, so it was worth the pain.

"It's the Raising of the Green at the Pourhouse. The charity is Hope for the Warriors. They support veterans and their families, especially those that have issues readjusting to returning home or health issues." His eyes go between self-proclaimed avid drinker and I'll-Bring-My-Checkbook stunner and doesn't quite know how you make a statement that attracts both, but, he tries to muddle through, "There's a special menu, T shirts, a green beer chugging contest, and a betting pool on the winner of that. I guess I'm giving better prizes than I anticipated for the winners of both events?" Because he's such a great planner. "Either way, all profits for the night and bet amounts are being donated to the charity."

"See you later Atli." He waves as she departs. "So I can get you to say this one is a date right Kate?" He grins then looks to Leon. "We will be there, I can't promise for long but we certainly will bring our check books and I will try to stop by the comic shop for a first print I can sign." He nods.
"Is there more information available on the Pourhouse website? I would like to look up more ways to help."

"So I should keep you from drinking too much right?" Alisha asks of Stefhan. "Yeah she really loves it. She did have a few problems, but I think I managed to smooth them out for her. She said she might drop by the shop herself." she comments. At least she thinks she smoothed out worries. Oh well not her problem now it's he's.

Ali gives a firm handshake to Kate "Nice to meet you as well. When were both weren't in a hurry. Everything going well with you?" she tilts her head to Atli giving her a parting smile. "Take care. See you around yeah?" bidding her a farewell. Her attention drawn back to Leon as he describes the event. "Already had me sold. Beer chugging though, I'll have that hands down. Or at least have a really good time at least. I've heard of the charity and it's really great that you are supporting it. Truly noble."

"Yes" Stefhan quickly tells her, "You should. You really honestly should. Though it seems to be quite the sight when I order an Odouls. You're younger than I am Alisha, so you can probably handle your liquor better. Besides, liquid courage has caused me to have too much courage at times."

Leon's words seem to meld together and mesh into incoherent sounds in her mind after mentioning the charity that the fundraiser is meant to benefit. Hope for the Warriors is a charity she is familiar with, one that she has sent some charitable contributions to in the past year. She doesn't even hear the rest of Leon's sales pitch as she is lost in thought. She straightens her posture and replies as if she'd been listening the entire time, "Of course, you already had me at special menu." She flashes a confident smile at Alisha and adds, "Everything is fantastic with me. How about with you?"

"Oh yeah, Pourhouse, Gazette, Friendzone. All the links are there." Ok, so the sales pitch actually managed to work for all parties, maybe Leon could get his 'purchase' out of here. "Awesome, I can't wait to see you folks. I'm gonna-" he shifts the weight on his shoulder one last time, and points at it, no more words needing to be made about it. "Great to see all ya'll, again." A card is retrieved, passed to Stefhan. Wayne and Katherine already had a copy, and the cops knew his number already as well, "Give me details on the prizes ya'll are gonna put up, I'd like to have them the morning of? Maybe I'll have longer to talk after all the loudest stuff is done and over." He turns to start to pick his way through the clutter as he says his final goodbyes. "But no pinching, unless there's expressed permission!" he jokes over his shoulder, taking the cauldron and presenting Atli's card to have it added to her account. With a final wave, he'd make his way out into the chill to continue preparations.

"Think that's a sign I should pay for the desk and get it home." He waves to Leon as he leaves with the cauldron. "Stefhan, Alisha its been great meeting both of you. Sweetie I am going to go pay and then put this thing in the car. Let me know if you have any ideas for dinner tonight, if not there is always left overs at my place." He smiles as he heads up to pay.

Alisha nods to Stefhan "I will. I wouldn't say age has too much to do with it. Just you are out of practice, but I can generally handle my liquor very well. Nothing wrong with liquid courage though if you get too much. Yeah perhaps not the best idea." giving him a grin and nudges him with her elbow. With Katherine speaking to her she directs her gaze back "Wonderful to hear. You did seem pretty excited in the diner. Things are going for me. A few things are looking up in my life, which is both terrifying and nice at the same time." she chuckles a bit her grin going into more of a smile. "So you know what I do. Mind if I can ask you about your work?" she is working on being more polite and that's the sort of thing you are suppose to do, right?

"Take care and aww I have to get permission to pinch? Damn." giving out a short laugh "Hope it goes well. At the very least you convinced folks here." a nod given in his direction. "Good to meet you as well Wayne. Ah take care and perhaps I'll see you around." offering a nod to him as well.

Stefhan takes the card after offering Wayne a wave as he seems to head out, "Nice meeting you as well." Then, the computer guy eyes the card with growing interest, "I think I might have heard you were into security?" The question posed to Leon, "If so, I might want you to come by and evaluate the system I have setup. I really need a state of the art system, computers and all. I might have need of your advice." A chuckle is revealed to Alisha and he says, "Last thing I need to do is loose my mind. I seem to be doing more of that than I would like lately."

"I'm a corporate lawyer." Kate pulls out her own business card and hands it to Alisha, her personal number handwritten in delicate script. "Here. Take this." And she hands one to Stefhan too. "I should probably head out with Wayne. I told him I'd help him decorate his house a little."

Wayne rejoins the group and looks at the desk. "I can carry it if you get the door hon." He smiles to Alisha and Stefhan once more. "We all should meet up again soon. Goodbye for now." With that he lifts the desk up and heads towards the door.

Alisha scoffs at Stefhan "With me as your wingwoman I'm not about to let you loose your mind. Don't worry I'll keep you responsible." which should a thought that terrifies Stefhan, at least what her idea of responsible is. Hearing Kate's job she frowns, not her fault Ali hasn't the best experience with lawyers. "Oh that's certainly a job." she says but does accept the card. "Thanks." shaking her frown off into a polite smile again. "Have fun then. Perhaps we'll meet up again another time." saying goodbye to her as well. "Yeah definitely." she offers to Wayne.

Stefhan looks somewhat relieved at that. "Age, it's a blessing and a curse." Fortunately, he doesn't look /that/ old. "Thanks though." He makes sure to pocket the card that the lawyer offers and politely says, "Thank you." On the side he comments, "Cute couple, definitely seem into each other. I think I may get something to eat, then check on my son."

Alisha nods at Stefhan's comment "They do. So good for them. Lots of people seem to be coupling up. At least the ones I'm meeting. Really cuts down on my chances." she says with a shrug. "I was going to browse, but I could join you if you like in getting food."

Stefhan gently pats Alisha on her shoulder and says, "That's true I imagine. I think Grace, Faith's sister, has a girlfriend too. If nothing else, I have my cat." he grins. So apparently the crazy cat people are not just women, "I guess I'll try to see if I can run into Faith again. The Firehouse." he offers, "My treat. I'm famished."